Tribute Portfolio and Hamptons Whodunit Bring a Mystery and True Crime Festival to Savannah

Marriott Bonvoy is taking experiential travel in a creative new direction by partnering with Hamptons Whodunit to host a mystery, thriller, and true crime literary festival in Savannah, Georgia (Nov 6–8, 2026).

Venue:
The Alida, Savannah (Tribute Portfolio Hotel) as the festival hub; Hotel Orielle, Autograph Collection hosting additional events.

Authors & Voices:
- Jessica Knoll (“Luckiest Girl Alive”)
- Heather Graham (75M+ books in print)
- Wanda M. Morris (NYT Best Books honoree, NAACP Image Award nominee)
- Emma C. Wells (“This Girl’s a Killer”)
- Shanora Williams (30+ novels)

True Crime Experts:
- Barbara Butcher (medical examiner, Oxygen’s Death Investigator)
- Joseph Scott Morgan (forensic expert)
- Joe Giacalone (retired NYPD Sgt., podcast host True Crime with the Sarge)

Interactive Experiences
- Wine and Crime: Solve a real case with cold case investigator Sheryl “Mac” McCollum.
- Trivia Night: Test crime knowledge with authors like Brendan Slocumb (The Violin Conspiracy).

Panels & Workshops:
- “From First Impression to Confession” (interrogation techniques).
- “So You Want to Be a Writer?” (hands-on author guidance).

Broader Mission
- Hamptons Whodunit, founded in 2023, is a nonprofit fostering careers in forensic science, writing, and criminal justice.
- In Savannah, they’ll collaborate with SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) to introduce students to forensic and true crime-adjacent careers.
- Marriott Bonvoy plans to expand Whodunit experiences to other U.S. properties in 2027, including a Writers Retreat at Postcard Cabins.

This partnership cleverly blends literary passion, interactive storytelling, and destination travel — positioning Marriott Bonvoy not just as a hotel loyalty program, but as a curator of unique cultural experiences.